FM Backs Drive To Inspire Girls

Nicola Sturgeon has joined sports stars to help launch a new campaign aimed at inspiring girls and young women to fulfil their leadership potential.

The First Minister, Formula One driver Susie Wolff and Scottish women's football captain Gemma Fay are backing the initiative from Girlguiding Scotland.

The WOWwoman campaign invites girls and young women to share their role models to encourage them to aspire to leadership roles.

It follows Girlguiding research showing that less than half (49%) of girls aged 11 to 16 regularly feel inspired by a role model while only 35% of those aged 17 to 21 believe men and women have the same chance of career success.

Ms Sturgeon said: "It's so important that girls and young women are able to see positive role models around them - that's how they are inspired to become the leaders, scientists and Olympians of the future.

"It's great to see Girlguiding Scotland launching its WOWwoman campaign to celebrate the fantastic and varied role models Scotland has to offer.

"I hope seeing so many inspiring women in their communities and beyond will empower a new generation of girls and young women to believe in themselves.''

Ms Wolff said: "I'm proud to be named a Girlguiding Scotland WOWwoman and have the chance to back this new campaign.

"From my own experience, I know how important a role model can be in empowering girls and young women to aim high, discover new talents and take the lead. Sometimes you just have to see it to believe it. ''

Ms Fay added: ``I hope this campaign will show to girls and young women across Scotland just how much they can achieve.''